Dai-Rotenburo, Outdoor hot spring bath in Yamagata, Japan
Dai-Rotenburo is a large outdoor hot spring bath located in the Zao Onsen area of Yamagata, Japan. The bath is made up of wide, crater-shaped stone pools set among trees and rocks, with water fed by several natural sulfur springs.
The Zao Onsen area has been used as a bathing destination for centuries, and Dai-Rotenburo itself opened in 1987. Since then, it has grown into one of the most visited outdoor baths in the region.
The spring water here is called 'Princess water' by locals, who believe it softens the skin after bathing. This nickname reflects the longstanding Japanese tradition of valuing onsen water for its physical effects, not just for relaxation.
The bath is open from mid-April to the end of November, so a visit outside those months is not possible. There are no showers or modern facilities on site, so come prepared for a simple, outdoor experience.
The water flowing into the pools comes from five different sources at a rate of around 573 liters per minute. This constant flow means the water is never treated with chemicals, keeping it entirely natural.
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